Would antidepressants help me?

[littlebutterfly185]

I'm just after a little advice. I've always suffered with my mental health - in and out of outpatient treatment in my early adult life. I've never tried antidepressants.

The last 3 years have been particularly hard & although I'm no longer in treatment, I'm really struggling with just day to day life. I have little to no motivation, I struggle to be 'present', I'm always tired. I just feel very little.

I know it sounds ridiculous, but I've always been nervous of taking anything so always rejected it when offered.

From experience, would antidepressants help? I'm early 30's. I just want to feel a little more normal and able to cope with the day to day of life.

Absolutely.
I hope things improve for you soon.

Yes. You may have to try a few different types and/or dosages to find the best for you. That said, a lot of people feel radically better after a few weeks on sertraline or citalopram and never need to change.

The only downside is that they flatten your libido.

Thank you for being so lovely

Thank you - appreciate your response. To be fair, libido is flat at the moment anyway!

Should I be worried about side effects or anything? I worry a lot about my health so appreciate this sounds silly!

Not really. It's common to have a few mild effects when you start - people often feel a bit floaty or dizzy, some get headaches or stomach upsets - but only for a couple of weeks as your body adjusts. If you were to have any troublesome or persistent side effects, your doctor would try a different formulation.

I say go for it 😊 As a bonus, the right antidepressant will also calm your health anxiety.

Wishing you the best!